Description
Slat chain conveyors are similar to Plate Link conveyors, in that they resemble a tanks caterpillar-tracks. However, the design is somewhat different and this gives it different capabilities. In particular, Slat Conveyors are much smaller and lighter-duty than a typical plate link conveyor, being limited to around 800mm in width.

A major benefit of slat chain conveyors over plate link conveyors lies in the ability of the platelets of a slat conveyor to ‘flex’, and hence turn corners, complex loops, and even spirals. This makes them very popular in continuous manufacturing processes, bottling plants, etc.

Whereas a plate link conveyor drives each platelet by means of a pair of chains, the slat conveyor adopts a different approach. Each platelet is bonded to the next by a hinge, making the entire belt length a chain in and off itself. Regularly spaced sprockets both support – and drive – the chain. The concept is similar to a cog-and-pinion railway (but with the locomotive remaining stationary, and the track being moved).

Because the platelets are joined at the centre of their span, rather than at both edges, they have the potential to rotate around the joint, hence producing the ability to flex.

As with plate link conveyors, the platelets can be metal, or composite plastic. The latter tend to be categorized with Plastic Modular conveyors. This can lead to some confusion, as the term “plastic modular” can cover a range of sins, and not all plastic modular conveyors are slat conveyors!

Don’t you just love industrial jargon? Speaking of which…

Table-top chain conveyors
No, it does NOT mean that they go on top of a table! This alternative term for a slat conveyor is possibly an Americanism, arising from the fact that the carrying surface is flat, like a table-top. I suppose we where lucky – using that logic they might have ended up calling them pancake chain conveyors, which would be even more confusing!

Slat Chain Conveyors

For more information on slat chain conveyors, or any other CCL conveyors or conveyor systems, call us on 01509 816064 today for an informal, no obligation chat. We’re here to listen to your conveyor enquiry and help provide you with complete conveying solutions.